Piano with Charles N.

Charlie is a certified music teacher, who teaches in areas surrounding Wendell and travels to teach in the Raleigh, Zebulon and Knightdale areas. He teaches in his home in Wendell and travels to other areas on certain days. (See availability) He first began teaching guitar and piano during his music studies at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. At the university and after receiving his degree in music education, he has taught and performed in various musical settings and venues which has included the genres of classical, jazz, blues, rock, folk and country. Besides teaching and performing, Charlie also is a songwriter who writes songs for his groups performances and teaches his more advanced students songwriting. Drawing upon his education and experiences as both performer and teacher, he strives to relate his background to his student's learning experiences and progress. As each student comes with his or her individual musical wants and interests, student lessons are designed to meet these needs of a particular student. Charlie has young students of ages 5 to 14 as well as students of upper ages. According to a student's level of musicianship (beginner, advanced or in between), students are taught how to read music, music theory in relation to their progress, chords, scales and how to write/compose their own songs. He has designed a method of teaching which is full of great musical exercises & fun illustrations for the young student to enjoy while learning skills on their instrument. For example, students can began with simple fingerings of chords & beginning melodies played in slow rhythms to allow the student to develop at a comfortable pace. Students that can not read music notation begin simple reading exercises of note recognition, time signatures, note values, eye hand coordination and more. *** Lesson Details *** I design student lessons according the age, playing level and music related interests as lessons can cover a broad range of interests and musical styles. For my beginning students- to develop their understanding of playing chords and rhythms, I teach chords as they relate to musical keys and some common rhythm patterns used in many popular songs. For guitar students, I have designed & developed my own materials for guitar (sheets & accompanying CD) which guide students in practicing chords progressions, strum/rhythm patterns & scales/melodies in relation to chords. My students have shown much success in these methods of concentrating on developing that essential sense & feel for playing different rhythm styles. Piano instruction is centered on learning to read music notation and music theory as it relates to the student's progress. As students advance, more emphasis is placed on improvising on melodies, different approaches to soloing and chord extensions and substitutions. Also, students are taught music theory as it relates to their progress to enable them to create their own music. I have a good selection of method books and materials to fit each student's level of musicianship and choice of playing style(s) to extend upon their interests and goals. My approach to teaching is to make lessons fun and enjoyable in a comfortable and relaxed setting to allow the student full concentration on each lesson. But, also to provide the necessary guidance and encouragement to challenge and motivate students to improve and develop natural strengths and new skills. *** Travel Equipment *** I have a good selection of materials (many I've developed), extra instruments if needed and recording equipment. The student will need the instrument and an amp for electric guitar. *** Specialties *** Teach theory as relates to students progress- examples, chords as relate to major scales, understanding of I IV V chords in popular music genres, develop knowledge of chords & rhythmic sense before learning songs. I teach in styles of blues, rock. jazz, country and classical.